March 2015 | Volume 77 | Issue 3
Platte-Clay Solar Tech
Ceremonial groundbreaking for your co-op’s new pilot community solar project, called Solartech on Feb. 5. L-R, Platte-Clay Board of Directors Steve Adkins, North District; Theresa Wren, West District; Dennis Fulk, Board President and West District; Mike Torres, CEO; and Jerry Hagg, West District. Members will be able to buy solar energy in June.
Also participating in the groundbreaking activities were Barry Hart, CEO, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, whose mother is a Platte-Clay member; Dennis Fulk, Platte-Clay Board President; Mike Torres, Platte-Clay CEO, Dave McDowell, CEO, N.W. Electric Cooperative, your co-op’s generation and transmission cooperative; and Dave Ramsey, manager of energy efficiency programs and Associated Electric Cooperative’s renewable/solar program.
New look at Kearney office
Mike Torres
From the CEO
After co-op members resoundingly said they are interested in a Platte-Clay Electric Co-op pilot community solar project, your Board of Directors approved moving forward with the project.
On a brisk February afternoon, co-op members and guests attended a ceremonial ground breaking. Although no one lingered at the site on that cold February day, everyone was in high spirits.
Your co-op is making history in 2015: it is the first rural electric co-op in Missouri to build a community solar system. The following week Platte-Clay crews installed anchors for the solar system. You’ll be able to see the progress Platte-Clay crews are making from Hwy. 92.
As with any new project or technology, there will be a lot for everyone to learn.
In the survey sent to all co-op members, many expressed interest in learning more about solar. So we’re going to learn together. The solar committee, a diverse group of co-op members, will review the project in depth and how the economics fits with a traditional rural electric system.
Once the system is up and running, an online monitoring system will be available through the web site so anyone can see how well the solar array is performing. Your co-op joins a pioneering group of co-ops across the U.S. that are installing solar systems so that all members who are interested in renewable energy can participate.
Newly-installed anchor bolts for solar array.
A community solar project is open and fair to all residential members—those who rent, those whose homes aren’t oriented toward the south, those who don’t want a solar system on their roof or in their yard. And the project allows members to lock in the price of energy, excluding transmission and distribution costs if that is the option they choose.
These are exciting times for rural electric cooperatives and in fact, the entire power industry—it’s a major change to embrace and integrate a new energy source.
We’re proud to be in the forefront with other leading cooperatives. We’ll keep you posted on what we learn.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact me.
Annual Meeting May 7 – Kearney
Your co-op’s Annual Meeting is Thursday, May 7, when members will have a chance to visit with area organizations, elect three Board members, win prizes, and learn about the state of your rural electric cooperative, including solar energy and the first Missouri co-op’s pilot community solar project, Solartech, The Kearney headquarters office is at 1000 W. Hwy. 92, just west of I-35.
As part of the meeting, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., area Chambers of Commerce as well as renewable organizations will have booths at the annual meeting as part of the pre-business meeting activities. The entire meeting will run until around 8 p.m.
Members will be served a light dinner from 4:30 p.m. to about 6:45 p.m., when we’ll start wrapping up the pre-business meeting activities and moving into the business meeting. The popular kids’ carnival is back and will run until 8 p.m., about the time the prizes will be drawn and distributed. Please note that members and children registered for kids’ prizes must be present to win.
Platte-Clay will have a co-op booth to give members an opportunity to ask questions, review products and services and update accounts.
Each year members elect three Board members, one of the three from each District. The Board members elected in 2015 will serve through 2018.
By having staggered terms, the Board has both continuity and the opportunity for other members to run for and to elect a new Board representative.
Board members will have a booth and be available to speak with members.
New Solar Committee on the move
Thanks to all of the Platte-Clay members who responded to the Solar Committee application.
There was no shortage of wellqualified co-op members interested in serving on the new Platte-Clay Solar Committee.
In fact, there was an abundance of talent — nearly 500 co-op members who said they are interested in participating to learn more about solar energy and to share their experiences and expertise.
Unfortunately, that’s about 475 too many for an initial committee that will learn, along with your co-op, how a pilot community solar array performs in relation to current energy and economic models.
The committee was selected based on demographics–so there is representation from across the co-op’s service area and across the age groups, men and women.
To help determine interest and to gain some background information, one of the questions was: “Tell us your thoughts on renewable issues in general and solar in particular.” The responses were interesting and are from a variety of perspectives, so we thought we would share some representative comments with you–please see below.
With so many people with differing points of view and life experiences, it’s going to be an interesting group of coop members who explore your co-op’s first entry into renewable energy. The co-op is sending letters to the members selected for this first committee to determine actual interest and availability and to set up the first meeting.
Thanks again to everyone who took time to respond and to volunteer to become involved with your co-op.
- It’s necessary to explore and develop cost-effective applications, solar in particular because it is limitless.
- How to make renewable energy cost effective.
- Solar is a good fit for renewable energy both for individuals and large-scale producers. It’s reliable and becoming cost effective, and the costs are stable.
- Current energy costs are probably an aberration. Renewable non-carbon producing energy sources are a must for the future.
- Too much government control and restrictions. Solar is still too costly for homeowners and power storage is in question.
- I am curious about the costs vs. benefits.
- All new construction should be set up for solar and geothermal heating and cooling.
- Homes with the correct orientation should have it (solar), not so sure about giant arrays for this area.
- Needs attention and research and implementation.
- Great for the environment and U.S. independence.
- Any way possibly that we can reduce carbon output is a must. I believe our dependence on carbon-producing fuels is the main cause of climate change.
- Breeder reactors are the only pragmatic solution to future energy problems. Since these will probably not be built for a number of reasons, the only viable alternative is solar. I wish to learn more so I can help my fellow Americans make the switch to alternative fuels.
Focus Group provides input on co-op activities
Platte-Clay’s focus group is comprised of members who are willing to meet quarterly in the evening to discuss upcoming projects and programs
as well as to review current programs. The group gets a light meal and a modest stipend to offset travel costs.
The purpose is to help provide valuable feedback on how members perceive co-op activities.
One of the really interesting aspects of being part of a focus group is learning about how different members, from different age groups, think about projects and activities.
For example, many older members wouldn’t consider a smart phone and many younger members wouldn’t be without theirs.
That makes a mobile app important for some, not so much for others. It’s both a generational issue and a service issue.
So, for example, to meet both age group expectations and needs, there is a drive-up window so there’s no need to get out of the car on a cold or wet day and the web site for online bill payment–no need to get out on a cold or wet day.
Go fly a kite–just not around electric lines
There are any number of special interest groups around, and flying big, colorful kites certainly counts as one of them.
Add to that the Kansas City Kite Club (KCKC) is one of the largest kite clubs in the U.S. and we start getting an idea of how many families and individuals enjoy spending time with these lighter-than-air sky flyers.
KCKC defines itself as “a group of people with an absolute love of kites.” They were established to educate the public about the art, techniques, science, technology, history and safe practices of kite flying and kite making.
Although many give the Chinese credit for inventing kites, history shows that others, including South Sea islanders, tied bait to the tail of a kite and a web or net to catch fish.
The Maori, original New Zealanders, who built kites shaped like birds, believed that a kite could carry messages between humans and the gods.
In any case, they now are a part of many customs–from the divine to just plain fun.
With spring winds, there’s no better time to get outside with one of these beauties, whether it’s a simple kit from a children’s store or one of the larger, more whimsical or dramatic high fliers.
Smithville Lake is a popular spot for flying kites, as well as other open areas around the area.
In addition to Smithville Lake, the regional group flies at Ruth Stockdale Park, Liberty; New Mark Middle School, North Kansas City; and branching further afield, Heritage Park in Olathe; Longview Lake Shelter 11; Belton Community Center; Shawnee-Mission Park, Frontier Trail Junior High School, Olathe; Leawood City Park; and Fleming Park, Blue Springs.
The Kansas City Kite Club (www.kckiteclub.org) has organized outings for its diverse group of members with the schedule posted on their web site. The only real membership requirement is to enjoy flying kites. There are no dues, and volunteers run the organization.
Soon to be Kansas City Kite Club frequent fliers who just built their own kites at a workshop in early February. Left to right, back row, kite designer Robert Brasington, of Tasmania; Jeanne Herrera, Susie Gilson, Linda Larkey, Donna Houchins, Stephanie Pannell, Donna Helgeson. Photo courtesy Kansas City Kite Club and Donna Houchins. Front row, Willy Lugo, Trafton Creemer, Mitch Cordover and Sadie Creemer.
The big event coming up April 18 is the Mega Kite Festival – Flights of Fancy to be held at Metropolitan Community College’s Longview Campus, 500 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, Mo.
There will be mega kites, power kites, stunt kites and the world’s largest windsock, three stories high and 200’ long.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and food vendors will be on site. As with many outdoor activities, no glass, pets, alcohol or grills allowed.
Parking will be on campus, and the college mentioned that there is construction on 3rd Street in Lee’s Summit, and suggests using View High Drive.
Kites and electric lines are a bad combination. Nobody goes home happy.
- Always look up and be aware of what’s above fliers.
- Never touch anything touching an electric line.
- A kite tangled in an electric line can be energized and can kill.
- Metallic kites and balloons can cause shorts and outages.
- Do not fly over roads where drivers could be distracted.
- Do not fly noisy kites in crowded places.
- Don’t scare animals.
- Clean up after flying–pick up trash and materials.
- Don’t scare nesting birds.
- Watch out for other people who don’t know kites can be dangerous.
- Avoid other kites, kite lines and kite fliers.
- Be aware of who and what is around you–wind direction can change.
Plant the right tree in the right place
And now, who you gonna call?
Once we decide which tree and where we’re going to plant it, there’s another step involved in this spring celebration of getting our hands into the soil, or building that fence or deck, and that starts with a call to the Missouri One Call system, 1-800-344-7483 or by going on their web site, www.mo1call.com to have the underground utilities located.
No one is happy when their power or other utilities are unavailable. And with power, it could be life threatening.
So while working on our home beautification is a great idea, let’s work to stay safe and to be a good role model for our kids and neighbors.
The Missouri One Call system is a free call and a free service from the utilities.
Our families’ safety and maintaining our electric service takes only one call or a few clicks and requires three working days before digging to mark underground facilities.
And it’s the law.
So if a project that requires digging is in your future, make a note to add One Call to your to do list.
To answer Paul Neils question on outdoor LED lighting, there are several outdoor LED bulbs at the home centers that replace your standard PAR 38 screw-in flood lights or spot lights. The 125-Watt equivalent uses only 24 Watts. They are pricey at around $30, but can last 20 plus years and cost only pennies to run.
I found a very cheap solution at Amazon. They are outside 10 Watt units that cost $10.
With a little do-it-yourself (DIY) skills you can install these yourself.
I have installed several around my house and two provide the same amount of light as a 300 Watt quartz lamp.
One note, color temperature around 3000 Kelvin is like an incandescent lamp, kind of yellow. Higher numbers, like 6000 Kelvin, is bluish like a mercury vapor yard light, which appear, to me, to give more light. These have around a 50,000 hour lifespan.
– Tom Schultze
Note: Your co-op also carries PAR 38 LED bulbs, 5000K and 3000K, for $24.13 ea.
Member Viewpoint is an opportunity for co-op members to share their thoughts on a variety of topics. To submit a Member Viewpoint, go to pcec.coop click on News – top tab and enter your Member Viewpoint.
Other Member Viewpoints appear on your co-op web site.
Member Viewpoint is for Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative members. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to share your comments and thoughts on issues that are important to you with your friends and neighbors.
Thanks for your interest and participation.
Interested in serving on the Board?
Your co-op offers several ways of being involved with it beyond flipping on a light switch and paying for service each month.
One of those important ways is to run for and if elected, serve on the Board of Directors.
The co-op by-laws prescribes three-year terms for the three Directors that represent the three Districts.
The terms are staggered, which means that each year there is one member from each District up for re-election.
For information on the election process and Board requirements, please visit the co-op’s web site, pcec.coop and review the by-laws in the About section.
The deadline to appear on the ballot for the 2015 election is April 22, although a member in good standing may be nominated from the floor as a write-in candidate.
The Northland Connection is published monthly by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1000 W. 92 Highway, Kearney, MO 64060. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Northland Connection, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060 or mail@pcec.coop.
Platte-Clay is an equal opportunity employer.